Maybe a Metablog!

Blogging. Essentially this is method of recording experiences or activities. People keep blogs for many different reasons. I am hoping to shine a spotlight on some of the blogs created by members of our school community. I would also like to give you some tips on creating "good blogs".

A blog is a frequently updated online personal journal or diary. It is a place to express yourself to the world.

Every blog will be different and in that respect it is a representation of it's owner. However, there are conventions we can all follow that allows the blogs we create to have the greatest impact.

Blogging Techniques:

Layout:

Chunk Down:Have a look at these two pieces of text. The content is the same. Which do you find more visually appealing?

Normally we like the text that has been "chunked" into smaller sections. It makes it easier for us to read.(if you ever need to have some random text use Lorem Ipsum to create it!Size:Size matters. Our eye is normally drawn to the biggest item (text image...). We see that as the most important thing. On here Blogging Techniques is important I have therefore made it a heading (larger than the other text. Look at the image below. What do you see first?

I suspect:Fringilla, Donecand thenHeading 1 and Heading 2 as they are a different colourColour & Contrast:Lots of colours will make you feel the audience feel nauseous, it will make your page look unprofessional and hard to read. Don't believe me take a look at thisHowever some colour makes it interesting. Think about the colour - here is a colour wheel that might help. How do you want people to feel? I use red on this page as it "jumps" out of the page and shouts at the audience.You can also use contrast by changing the background colour or adding a coloured border. Think how do I want to use the colour of the text, headings, borders, background, important information?

Alignment & Spacing:Where we put "stuff" matters as your eyes will get drawn to certain areas. For example I have placed images left, right and centre each for a different reason.

Where does your eye go first?White space can be useful. Use it as a creative tool to walk your audience through your work. Too much can be disturbing too little and it looks cluttered. Think - What would I like to see? What would I read?Content:Now you need to consider your content. The images and text that you are addingHeadline - Don't waste your words. The heading should grab peoples attention and make them want to read your blog. Whether a question or a statement you need to make it bold and catchyWritten content - What story are you telling? What sections need headings to draw your audience in? It should have a logical order and be informative - if I have taken time to read a Blog I want to read some interesting content.Call to Arms! - You need a conclusion. What do you want them to take away? Do you want them to do something after they have read it?Spelling - Typos should not be there. I have issues with spelling too but I need to try extra hard. USe the spell checker. Read through a saved version before publishing.Embedded Links - If you have used images or quotes from elsewhere then add the link (remember you must always credit your sources and this is a good way to do this). More links = more hits and the higher it will rise on Search Engines. Links are key as if your audience is interested they will want to read more about this topic. Link to other plays by the same author (for example)Images - Images talk. Make sure they are saying what you want. Most blogs benefit from well chosen images and videos

• Does it make an impact?
• Does it convey the message your were hoping?
• Has it got a good composition? Does it look good?
• How many do I need to convey my message?

Blogging ExamplesMs FriedmanJocelyn SutherlandCate JarvisMr HuberSonjaIzziIsobelOliviaEdublog winnersAny Suggestions:A blog is a living document and with good comments and views these can grow. I would comments with examples of blogs that other people have found inspiring.